R1200GS Tires in Peru?
 

I've been in Lima, Peru for a week, trying to locate replacement tires for my R1200GS. I seem to have exhausted all the Peruvian possibilities. (None were available passing through Ecuador and Panama as well.) I am open to any dual sport tire, but there seems virtually nothing available in the 110/80 R19 and 150/70 R17 sizes the R1200GS requires.

I can have BMW in Santiago, Chile ship me two Metzler Tourances for only $1,600! (They're only $800 if I pick them up in Chile!)
I have inquired with DHL, Fed Ex and UPS. To ship in any tires from the States would cost $700-800, and it's not clear if there would be duties or taxes to pay beyond that.

I could probably fly home and pick them up for less.

Okay, world travelers: what have you done in this situation?

Tim,

I'd be very interested to hear how you get on finding tires that fit your 1200. I'm currently in Argentina, and need a new rear but think I should be able to find one in Mendoza?

I'm also riding a 1200GS, travelling to down to Viedma for the meet next month, then onto to Ushuaia, but I'll be in Peru early next year.

Cheers

Nik

Hey, Nik!

I don't know the situation in Argentina. (I would like to know, as I'll be passing that way in January.)

I'll keep you posted on what I find.

Meanwhile, the Metzlers are in Santiago. But $800 for a set is insane. I hope you find better pricing on the other side of the Andes!

Tim

BMW-Chile is the worst and more expesive place to buy anything.

Go to MX Las Condes, AV. PRESIDENTE KENEDY # 7890. VITACURA telefono : (56)(2)2010784 fax : (56)(2)2010785 e-mail : mx@mx.cl

Or www.mx.cl

They are Metzeler here in chile.

------------------
Ya verás como quieren en Chile al amigo cuando es forastero (traditional song)

Jose Pedro Espinosa
Curico, Chile

[This message has been edited by DiasDePlaya (edited 20 November 2005).]

[This message has been edited by DiasDePlaya (edited 20 November 2005).]

Thanks!

MX Las Condes quoted $377USD (Chile taxes included.) Much better. They cannot however "re-export". They can ship the tires to the frontier, then I would have to arrange to get them into Peru. Peru's duties are 45-50% on tires.

Still working on details of how to handle this transaction.

Yesterday I got a Metzeler in Lima for my 1200GS, but a 140 not a 150. I am happy with it. And was less than $60. I´ll change when I get to the east coast.

Meanwhile..... take heed from Tim´s experience, don´t venture anywhere near Lima in need of a 19¨ front tyre. THEY DO NOT EXIST.

I´m lucky enough to only need a rear. I also had an experience trying to get brake pads through customs yesterday...... the short story is I think I will give up on them....

Tim,

Blast down to the Frontier, problem solved.. Any shop can fit them, and you´ll miss all the rain that is about to hit the Seirra!!

I've got an extra set of rear pads if you need them. I would just need a replacement set in the next 8k miles.

Where did you get a Metzler in Lima??? I thought I had tried EVERYWHERE!

A 1,600-mile round trip is hardly blasting! I'm going to have a front flown in from the States, then replace the rear in Santiago.

Did I suggest you blast back???? Huh??? LOL

YES to the pads, thx. Will you be near BA at Xmas, I could buy you a set then. Anyway, probably see you later today..... we can talk then.

I got to! I haven't seen Peru yet!!!

I ended up having a 19" Metzler Tourance flown in from the U.S. The "declared" value of $70, being under $100 avoided import duties. Still, it was expensive!

After this experience, I'm carrying the old tire with me - just in case.

By the way, the "Metzler" Revolucion bought in Lima was actually a Pirelli MT60 - very different tire, but servicable.